How to Become a Flight Attendant at Air France

Last Updated: January 7, 2020 References

Air France, with 168 destinations in 93 countries, and its partner, KLM, have a United States headquarters in New York City. The steps to learn how to become a flight attendant at Air France include some specific requirements due to their many international destinations.

Steps

1
Obtain a high school diploma.^{[1]
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- To become a flight attendant at Air France, or any airline for that matter, you must have a high school diploma. In fact, more than one-third of all flight attendants have college degrees, even though college is not required by the airlines.
2
Learn to speak French and English.^{[2]
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- Because Air France is based in France, they require that all flight attendants be fluent in both French and English. Speaking a third language is also a benefit as Air France assigns flight crews based on specific areas. For example, for Japanese flights, flight crews who speak fluent Japanese are given first choice for those flights.
3
Have citizenship in a European Union (EU) country.^{[3]
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- Air France has it's permanent headquarters in Europe, requiring employees to be citizens of a European country. To learn what countries belong to the European Union, visit http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries/index_en.htm
4
Obtain certification in Flight Attendant Emergency Safety that meets the requirements of European Union Operation Procedures.^{[4]
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- This certification training teaches fire control, first aid, aircraft evacuation, and other airline safety measures necessary.
5
Get experience in customer service.^{[5]
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- Since flight attendant positions require significant contact with the public, gaining experience in customer service positions is beneficial prior to applying at Air France. Since flight attendant positions are difficult to get, having this type of experience may give you a better chance when applying.
6
Be willing to work varied shifts.^{[6]
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7
Be willing to relocate.
- Flight attendants work many different hours and days. In addition, because Air France flies out of a number of different airports internationally, flight attendants at Air France could be stationed at any one of the 183 airports they fly to and from.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I apply to be a flight attendant at Air France if I am not a European citizen?

Community Answer

You can if you're either married to an EU citizen living in France, or you're a Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, or Liechtenstein citizen, or if you obtain a work visa and never break immigration laws.
Question

If I am from South Africa and only a beginner in French, am I able to apply? Trust me, I am willing to learn how to speak French.

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Yes, you can apply.
Question

Since am from Ivory Coast, what do I need to be part of it?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Visit the airline's website. Use the online application system to see what you need to qualify and how to apply.
Question

I am a Nigerian currently in Romania. I do not speak French at all, but I speak English fluently, Can I apply?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, no. As the national and flagship airline of France, you must be bilingual in French (it is even more important than English). However, if you learn to speak French, you'll be able to apply. But remember there are plenty of candidates, so your French must really be fluent to not be at a disadvantage compared to others. Everything is in French in AF's "backstage."
Question

What kind of diploma do I need?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

You don't need any diploma, but a diploma always helps. For example a degree in languages, in customer care, etc.

Warnings

Flight attendants for Air France are required to submit to a background check.

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All Air France flight attendants must pass a physical examination.

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All airlines have height requirements based on Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulations. The regulations are due to cabin restrictions as flight attendants must be able to move comfortably about the cabin and reach into overhead bins easily. Flight attendants are required to be between 5 feet (1.5 m) 3 inches (152.4 cm) and 6 feet (1.8 m) 1 inches (182.88 cm).

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